On Friday our choristers and reading group held their summer concert. We heard songs from, “Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo” which is a delightful retelling of the Bible story and other musical renditions. Our reading group gave us Shakespeare, Jane Austen, G K Chesterton to name just a few of the items. Well done to all involved and thanks to Miles Quick and Margaret Roe for their enthusiasm and dedication to our young people.

We do need to repair our Father Willis Organ. When the weather conditions are right, and under the direction of a skilled organist, it can sound amazing. Sadly, when it is dry for a prolonged period, Father Willis seizes up and no amount of musical skill can rescue the situation. The problem is worsening—the leathers are particularly worn. We now have over £130,000 in the restoration fund but this is likely to be only just over half way to the final target. Every penny and pound counts, so why not sponsor a pipe today?

Last Sunday afternoon, we enjoyed a very special concert called “Rejoice The Lord is King” in celebration of our Queen’s 90th birthday. It was a wonderful occasion—the music was a delight, the royal birthday cake delicious and over £700 was raised for our organ appeal. Father Willis is most grateful! I would like to thank the soloists, our church choir, Taunton Choral Society and especially our musical director , Miles Quick, for a splendid and enjoyable musical extravaganza.

“I do urge you to vote in the referendum decision. Matthew Jeanes, pastor at Canon Street, Pentecostal Church, has written a blog exploring the thought, “What Would Jesus Do?” It is an interesting contribution to the debate (search: unicycle contemplations EU). “

On Sunday 12th June, we are marking the official 90th birthday of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. All our services will include special prayers and, at 4pm we have a special birthday concert called “Rejoice The Lord is King!” followed by refreshments. This will be an opportunity to give God thanks for the Queen’s long reign. Queen Elizabeth’s strong faith has sustained her throughout the years as our sovereign and it is our delight and privilege to celebrate with her today. Any donations given will go towards the fund for repairing the Father Willis organ.

This week leaders from the Taunton Churches went a way together for a B1 24 hour retreat. We worshipped together and prayed for one another and for Taunton. Doing this brings the kind of unity Paul describes in Ephesians 4:

‘Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.’

On Thursday we enjoyed Tenpin Bowling together as a Signature Event. It was great fun and thank you Derek and Margaret Allen for organising this. Don’t forget the Signature Events are social happenings, open to anyone. All you need do is sign up at the back of church and come along. The next event is the Kilve Picnic on Sunday 10th July. More details to follow shortly.

We are in the advance stages of planning a new youth group for our older young people. The name is still being considered but I am calling it Voice PC as a working title. PC stands for Priest Chamber where we hope to meet. We will being on June 24th at 7.45pm, after choristers have finished. Please pray for the success of this venture and for all our work with children and young people.

This coming week, the Charis team will meet to plan, in detail, our second public meeting to update folk on the current position on helping to bring over a vulnerable Syrian family who have fled from their war torn home. Those who will come are carefully screened by UNHCR and are at great risk because, for some reason, the refugee camp cannot provide the urgent care they need. You may be able to help us make this happen, so do consider coming to St Mary ‘s on June 22nd at 7.30pm to find out more.

Many of you will have seen our new Bible and prayer focus lectern in front of the nave altar. Last week we remembered especially our hard working Magdalene Coffee Shop staff. This week our prayer focus, as a church, will be on the tourists who come to visit our beautiful church. We would like to feel all who come in sense God’s loving presence and receive a warm welcome. We are in the process of preparing a leaflet for visitors which will explain all that happens in God’s name at St Mary Magdalene’s.